Galaxy of leaders attend ‘bhog’ of Captain Amarinder’s mother

Many recalled her immense contribution to the welfare of refugee girls following the partition of the country, saying it was her charisma and humanitarian approach that had led the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to entrust her with the important and sensitive task.

The New Moti Bagh palace reverberated with hymns and prayers as thousands of people gathered to pay tributes. Apart from Manmohan Singh, Union minister Vijay Sampla, SAD President and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, also the leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, were among those present.

Many recalled her immense contribution to the welfare of refugee girls following the partition of the country, saying it was her charisma and humanitarian approach that had led the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to entrust her with the important and sensitive task.

Azad described the Rajmata as a multifaceted personality, who led an active political life as a Rajya Sabha and a Lok Sabha member.

“Her exemplary contribution to the empowerment of women and in providing succour to poverty-stricken sections of the society will remain source of inspiration,” said Azad, who also conveyed condolences of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi to Amarinder and his family.

SAD president Sukhbir Badal said she was a noble soul and recalled her missionary zeal in serving every section of the society, especially the poorest of the poor.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sukhpal Khaira said the loss of a mother was an irreplaceable loss as no other human being could replace this relationship.

Sampla, while conveying the condolences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah, said, “The Rajmata was a pious soul and a great social reformer, who was ahead of her time.”

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhark Committee chief Prof Kirpal Singh Badungar described the Rajmata as an ideal mother and a great personality.

Expressing gratitude to the people for their condolences, Captain Amarinder describe Rajmata’s demise as not only a personal loss to the family but also to the region and its people. “Her passion to impart quality education to children will always be remembered,” he added.